Affirmations for Resilience: Say These When You're Feeling Defeated

Some days just feel heavier than others.

You’re tired. Discouraged. Maybe questioning everything.

Whether it's a string of setbacks, a single heartbreak, or just the slow wear-and-tear of being human, defeat has a way of making us forget our strength. But here’s the truth: resilience doesn’t mean you never fall, but rather it means you keep getting up.

These affirmations aren’t here to shame you into positivity or force a smile when you’re hurting. They’re here to gently remind you of what’s still true, even when everything feels like it’s unraveling.

When to Use These Affirmations

Repeat these affirmations whenever you feel low, stuck, or like you’re losing hope. You don’t need to feel “ready” or strong to use them. In fact, it’s okay if you cry through them. Say them aloud if you can. Whisper them. Write them down. Let them hold space for you when you don’t feel like you can hold yourself.

They’re especially helpful:

• After a tough conversation
• On days when nothing goes right
• In the middle of burnout or grief
• When self-doubt is screaming louder than truth

Tip: Use the Aluma app to pair these affirmations with your daily tarot card. Ask, “What strength do I have access to today?” and let the card guide you to the words you most need.

Resilience Affirmations to Repeat When You’re Feeling Defeated

• “This moment is hard, and I am still here.”
• “I don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going.”
• “I’ve survived every hard day before this, and I will survive this too.”
• “Even when I feel broken, I am still whole at my core.”
• “I give myself permission to rest, not quit.”
• “I can feel pain and still move forward.”
• “My struggle is not a failure, it’s part of my strength story.”
• “I am allowed to fall apart and begin again.”
• “There is a version of me on the other side of this, and she is proud I kept going.”
• “Every breath I take is proof I haven’t given up.”

A Gentle Ritual for Low Days

If you want to turn this into a soft resilience ritual, here’s a simple one:

1. Find a quiet space. Light a candle or just sit with your breath.
2. Pull a tarot card. Ask, What part of me can rise again today?
3. Choose one affirmation from the list above (or write your own).
4. Speak it three times out loud, placing your hand over your heart.
5. Journal what comes up. Let your feelings spill without judgment.

Even just five minutes can help you shift. Not into fake positivity, but into remembering your inner capacity to heal, adapt, and move forward.

You Are Still Worthy, Even in the Struggle

Being resilient doesn’t mean pushing through every emotion. Sometimes it means resting. Asking for help. Saying, “I’m not okay, but I’m still trying.”

So if today is a heavy day, speak these affirmations slowly. Speak them like you would to a best friend. Because even when you feel like you’re crumbling, your spirit is quietly rebuilding beneath the surface.

✨ Download Aluma to start healing through daily reflection.